Small Pig Herd 1864

This is "Small Pig Herd," an etching made by Charles Jacque in the 19th century, now residing at the Metropolitan Museum. The prominent symbol in this serene pastoral scene is the herd of swine, evoking layers of meaning that resonate through centuries. Consider, for instance, how the symbol of the pig has been viewed ambivalently. In some cultures, pigs represent prosperity and abundance, while in others, they're seen as impure. One may recall images of the ‘sacred swine’ in ancient cultures, connected to fertility and harvest festivals, versus the religious restrictions in others. These contradictions reveal the complex, often subconscious ways in which cultural symbols are remembered and reinterpreted. This visual motif, laden with cultural memory, invites viewers to contemplate the cyclical nature of symbols. They are continually resurfacing and evolving, acquiring new meanings and emotional resonance across time.